Should marijuana be a medical option?
This debate has been going on for over 4743 years. The first dated use of marijuana was in 2737 BC when the emperor of China, Shen-Nung, prescribes cannabis for beri-beri, constipation, 'female weakness,' gout, malaria, rheumatism and absentmindedness. One of the most interesting factors in this pro and con debate is that until the late 1800's not many people were against the use of cannabis for medical purposes. But from 1856 - 1937 marijuana's image as a medicine turned into the image as an intoxicant. Ever since the image changed the medical community suffered.
In 1937 the debate was at one of its highest peaks in United States history. In April of that year a representative for the Ways and Means Committee instead of bringing his concern on cannabis to other appropriate committees such as food and drug, agriculture, textiles, commerce, etc., he brought it directly to Congress by spring of the same year. Only one pertinent question was asked from the floor: "Did anyone consult with the American Medical Association and get their opinion?"A representative answering for the Ways and Means Committee replied, "Yes, we have. A Dr. Wharton and the American Medical Association are in complete agreement!" With that reply the bill passed and became law later in December of that year.
There were only two problems with the statement from the Ways and Means Committee. First there was no Dr. Wharton with the American Medical Association; there was only a Dr. Woodward. Second Dr. Woodward was in complete disagreement with the bill. Not only that but Dr. Woodward and the American Medical Association knew nothing about the hearing until two days before the bill was passed.
To be able to debate the question: "Should marijuana be a medical option?" you must first see if marijuana has medical values. Dr. Joycelyn Elders noted in the Providence Journal of Rhode Island: "The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other
In 1937 the debate was at one of its highest peaks in United States history. In April of that year a representative for the Ways and Means Committee instead of bringing his concern on cannabis to other appropriate committees such as food and drug, agriculture, textiles, commerce, etc., he brought it directly to Congress by spring of the same year. Only one pertinent question was asked from the floor: "Did anyone consult with the American Medical Association and get their opinion?"A representative answering for the Ways and Means Committee replied, "Yes, we have. A Dr. Wharton and the American Medical Association are in complete agreement!" With that reply the bill passed and became law later in December of that year.
There were only two problems with the statement from the Ways and Means Committee. First there was no Dr. Wharton with the American Medical Association; there was only a Dr. Woodward. Second Dr. Woodward was in complete disagreement with the bill. Not only that but Dr. Woodward and the American Medical Association knew nothing about the hearing until two days before the bill was passed.
To be able to debate the question: "Should marijuana be a medical option?" you must first see if marijuana has medical values. Dr. Joycelyn Elders noted in the Providence Journal of Rhode Island: "The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other